Woolies responds after customers slam ‘ridiculous’ practice–what’s your take?

Consumer habits often spark debates, especially when they intersect with unexpected decisions by major retailers.

A recent move by one of Australia's supermarket giants has left shoppers divided, with some praising the approach while others are calling it out as premature.

The backlash has ignited a conversation about tradition, timing, and the fine line between convenience and controversy.


Shoppers spotted hot cross buns and Easter eggs in stores much earlier than expected, with some noting the items typically appear closer to Easter.


image1.png
Easter treats hit shelves months too soon. Image source: Cadbury


One Sydney customer from Mosman shared a photo of Easter eggs on social media, urging Woolworths to ‘give it a break’.

Other customers expressed their surprise, with some reporting they saw hot cross buns on Boxing Day, months before Easter.

‘Just a day after Christmas and voila – hot cross buns are already on the shelves!’ a shopper posted to social media.

‘Ridiculous, at least let’s get Christmas over with first,’ another person added.


Woolworths responded to the backlash, explaining their approach caters to early planners.

‘While the majority of Easter products don’t go on sale until March, by offering a small selection from January each year, we aim to provide our early-planning customers with the flexibility to spread out their spending over a longer period,’ a Woolworths spokesperson said.

‘Of course it’s also a great chance to savour our seasonal favourites in the lead-up to Easter.’


In its first month of sale, Woolworths reported selling over two million Easter egg chocolates, though the full range remains unavailable until March.

Hot cross buns, however, have already launched nationwide, featuring both traditional and modern flavours.

‘When it comes to hot cross buns, Aussies love all different varieties both traditional and non-traditional, which is why we’ve brought a range to stores this year that serves up something for everyone,’ a spokesman said.


New flavours such as caramilk and fairy bread join the classic options like fruit, chocolate, and apple and cinnamon.

While some shoppers criticised the early rollout, others welcomed the chance to enjoy Easter treats for longer.

ALDI have them all year round and have for two years now. I like them better in winter than on a warm Easter weekend,’ one person commented.

Key Takeaways

  • Woolworths faced backlash after releasing Easter products, including hot cross buns and Easter eggs, shortly after Christmas.
  • Some shoppers expressed frustration over the early timing, while others appreciated having more time to enjoy seasonal treats.
  • Woolworths defended the decision, stating it caters to early planners and allows customers to spread out spending.
  • The supermarket also introduced new hot cross bun flavours alongside traditional ones, sparking further mixed reactions.

Where do you stand on this issue? Do you enjoy the early availability, or do you think it’s simply too soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
 
Last edited:

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
It is mostly the religious crowd that complains about the hot cross buns. Woolies sells the fruit buns all year round and just put the crosses on for Easter. But who cares if they are on the shelves early, more for me 😂
And Jesus didn't eat a hot cross bun at the last supper did he? So why is it a religious symbol?
 
In my opinion, we don't need to see Easter products out on shelves immediately after Christmas.
Sure, people will buy the buns but probably won't enjoy the tradition of only eating your first bun on Good Friday.
 
It must be where I live, regional area as never seen fruit buns at Woolies or Cole’s all year.
These big companies don’t care less what the consumers want, making it sound all cute and caring, it’s only about the PROFITS.
It isn’t only Religious Groups, as one person stated, it’s the absolute ridiculous idea of putting them on the shelves straight after Christmas, Easter is approx 4 months away so the excuse from Woolworths….. people like to plan. Really !!!!!!!! We like to plan for holidays, weddings, outings and everything else in line with this, but planning to eat hot cross buns or buying them now so not missing out at Easter, just laughable.
They take us consumers as gullible idiots, if one wishes to buy and eat now, go ahead but don’t knock those who wish to buy Fresh Buns only at Easter.
One thing I wonder about, are these buns that come out on Boxing Day, the leftover frozen ones from Last Easter 🤔🤔🤔
 
It is mostly the religious crowd that complains about the hot cross buns. Woolies sells the fruit buns all year round and just put the crosses on for Easter. But who cares if they are on the shelves early, more for me 😂
And Jesus didn't eat a hot cross bun at the last supper did he? So why is it a religious symbol?
I was always taught that the Bun was a symbol of the rock that was placed in front of the cave were Jesus was placed. We, as kids would never have dared to eat a hot cross bun before good Friday. The same as we wouldn't open presents before Christmas day.
The trouble with some people now is they want everything; they want Easter Buns but don't give a hoot about what it's for. Just like Christmas. There is no anticipation of the next event to come, or children being taught respect and patience. The shops say we are helping you to budget, buy your eggs straight after Christmas, what so they melt in the heat, or the kids find them so you can buy more. We are capable of saving our own money. We don't need Woolies and Coles herding us like sheep.
 
It is mostly the religious crowd that complains about the hot cross buns. Woolies sells the fruit buns all year round and just put the crosses on for Easter. But who cares if they are on the shelves early, more for me 😂
And Jesus didn't eat a hot cross bun at the last supper did he? So why is it a religious symbol?
He certainly would not.
If the Last Supper is implying, as many say, the Passover (celebrating freedom of Jewish slaves in Egypt) then only unrisen, flatbreads would be consumed for 8 days (signifying the haste in which people fled, which gave no time for it to rise). 🏜️⛓️🫓🍷

Ok guys, relax... I know it's not Bible Study time... just an interesting note. 📖
No one is forced to buy Hot Cross Buns, but please make sure you have your coffee... and make it strong!!! 🥞:coffee::coffee:
💕😍💌
 
What sort of preservatives are in them? Could they possibly be good for us? They could be a ticking time bomb for the world's next major health crisis.
A relevant question.

Yesterday, I purchased a six pack of hamburger buns with a "use before date" of 11 January.

There is a possibility that hot cross bun are made from non perishable artificial grain ingredients?
 
  • Wow
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM and Leenie
It is mostly the religious crowd that complains about the hot cross buns. Woolies sells the fruit buns all year round and just put the crosses on for Easter. But who cares if they are on the shelves early, more for me 😂
And Jesus didn't eat a hot cross bun at the last supper did he? So why is it a religious symbol?
The religious symbol is the cross.

Don't have the cross. Solved.
 
Last edited:
It must be where I live, regional area as never seen fruit buns at Woolies or Cole’s all year.
These big companies don’t care less what the consumers want, making it sound all cute and caring, it’s only about the PROFITS.
It isn’t only Religious Groups, as one person stated, it’s the absolute ridiculous idea of putting them on the shelves straight after Christmas, Easter is approx 4 months away so the excuse from Woolworths….. people like to plan. Really !!!!!!!! We like to plan for holidays, weddings, outings and everything else in line with this, but planning to eat hot cross buns or buying them now so not missing out at Easter, just laughable.
They take us consumers as gullible idiots, if one wishes to buy and eat now, go ahead but don’t knock those who wish to buy Fresh Buns only at Easter.
One thing I wonder about, are these buns that come out on Boxing Day, the leftover frozen ones from Last Easter 🤔🤔🤔
"DITTO"
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×